Carpenter — Subclass 485 Pathway
Temporary Graduate visa · 18 months to 5 years (depending on stream and qualification)
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- No sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- No specific list
- Base fee
- from $2,235 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~4-12 months (median)
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Carpenter for migration purposes is handled by: TRA.
No occupation-list eligibility — any qualification recognised by the AQF is in scope, with skills assessment only required for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
Carpenter × Subclass 485 — pathway overview
Carpenters (ANZSCO 331212) may be eligible for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa, allowing recent graduates of Australian educational institutions to remain in Australia temporarily to gain skilled work experience after completing their studies. The visa is available through two streams. The Graduate Work stream is available to applicants whose qualification closely relates to the Carpenter occupation and requires a skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). The Post-Study Work stream is open to holders of an Australian degree of at least two years, without an occupational assessment requirement. Stay duration depends on the stream, qualification level, and whether the study was completed in a regional area. Graduates who studied regionally may access extended stay periods. English language proficiency requirements must be met, and health and character checks apply. The Subclass 485 visa does not lead directly to permanent residency but enables skilled work experience that strengthens subsequent EOIs for points-tested permanent visas. Government processing fees apply. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 485. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 35 years of age at application (with exemptions for select fields)
- Recent graduate of an eligible Australian qualification (CRICOS-registered)
- Held a valid student visa in the last six months
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Positive skills assessment (Post-Vocational Education Work stream only)
- Health, character, and Australian Health Insurance
Other visa pathways for Carpenter
- 186Details →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Carpenter
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.